Poncelet is a big name for cheese in Spain. Since Jesús Pombo opened the original store in Argensola St. in Madrid in 2004, the business has grown to include a pioneering cheese maturing centre that carefully controls the maturations of all the cheese bought directly from producers; far more interesting for gourmets and wine lovers is the innovative restaurant based exclusively on cheese.
Launched in 2011, Poncelet Cheese Bar boasts large, airy premises divided in three different areas: a cheese bar, a restaurant and the upstairs library where courses, tastings and all sort of educational activities are held. There are over 160 different cheeses on offer originating from Spain, France, Italy Belgium, Switzerland, UK or the US. They can be tasted individually or grouped in a varied assortment of cheese tables. The menu is really eye-catching and packed with information and icons that make it easy to learn about different types of cheese and even offers some cheese tasting basics.
The wine list includes roughly 100 wines ranging from €12-14 the most affordable bottles to about €80 for some special ports and sherries. They have managed to find a balance between classics and the most sought-after brands with more exotic examples (it’s nice to see Viña de Martín Ribeiro from Luis Anxo, Ribeira Sacra’s Guímaro or a Garnacha from Rioja crafted by Juan Carlos Sancha), and foreign wines (white Burgundy, Riesling, Champagne and Port) increasing the pairing options. As many as 25 wines are served by the glass priced from around €3 to €5.5 and there’s also a small selection of craft beers. Clients can also order Poncelet’s pairing menus which match six different courses with four wines and cost €70 + VAT.
Adventurous palates should trust restaurant manager Víctor Regalado or cheese master Felipe Serrano for an outstanding experience involving cheeses at different maturation levels and striking matches like Brillat Savarin with the red rosé Hito from Ribera del Duero.
As well as cheese tables, there is a menu in which all dishes include cheese as an ingredient. Nevertheless, for those who are not big fans, cheese can be removed in many cases.
Launched in 2014, there’s a second Poncelet Cheese Bar in Barcelona with similar characteristics in terms of philosophy, premises, food and wine. Location: Avinguda de Sarrià, 50, Tel.: +34 932 482 200. A.C.
